I use both. However, I can not get topwaters like spooks to walk the dog with my spinning tackle near as well as I can with my baitcasters. The spinning tackle is much more forgiving on a windy day and casting light baits into the wind.

i didnt read any of the other comments.. shame on me... but just from my own experiences... and i fish alot... i still use spinning reels haha.... after a certain number of backlashes on the baitcasters... put it in the closet and never looked back haha. i dont care if people say you can throw a baitcaster easier and faster... opening the bail and casting isnt a big deal to me no matter how many times i do it.

IMHO....spinning reels are more versatile, easier to use, and generally exhibit more drag for a similar sized baitcast. You wont see me spending 200$ on a curado... or even 100$ on a lews... not a chance, give me a spinfisher, sahara, anything haha.

Looks like spinning is the way to be....
Especially since I'm interested in the bay fishing I keep seeing in the magazines down here...
Thanks everyone!

Florida guys typically use spinning reels more for inshore fishing. Not sure why but they never really took off over here.

Most people that throw spinning reels inshore never learned how to throw baitcasters. Not a jab at anyone.

About the only time I use a spinning reel while fishing lures is while site casting reds from a tower boat, much easier to throw further into the wind.

On those cold winter days, you need a baitcaster for the added sensitivity when a trout barely sucks it in on the bottom.

Just buy what you are most comfortable with and you will learn to use it the best you can.

I was a Florida guy, and we used Spinning gear because we threw a lot of weightless live baits there, they can be a challenge with baitcasting gear, although it can be done.

What type of line do you spool on your 2500? I have the same setup and plan to use it on the surf/wading.... I agree, great reel for the price.

I am a hardcore Abu Ambassadeur and Penn baitcaster and only use my spinning reels every now and then. But as mentioned above the baitcasters take alot of practice but once you manage to learn them I feel they are a superior choice to either a spincast or spinning setup. Take your time and start slow but eventually pick up a good baitcaster like a 5500 or 5600 Ambassadeur (easy to cast and learn on) and then you can have a complete arsenal depending on what baits/lures you're fishing.

Good luck and welcome to the salt life!

I can probably out cast you with a casting reel, distance, accuracy, doesn't matter.

But, a 1/8 oz jig head with plastic gets used on a spinning rod, with braid.

Everything else gets put on a casting reel, but the jigs get the braid on a spin rod.

The spinning reel isn't as critical if/when it gets dunked wading.
I like straight braid on a spinning reel, it casts much easier than a casting reel. No comparison at all if you have to throw into the wind.

Everything has it's place. Both are in my rodholders for a reason.

I use a bait caster for everything, popping cork, jigs, top waters, you name it...all with Suffix braid.

IMO is better to fish with braid +fluorocarbon leader.....

Use what you want I use both but baitcast most. It is really personal preference I can cast as accuratly and as good with both. Use what you are most comfortable with.
I like spin cast with really light things or at night.